“You are radiant,” Lora whispered as she helped braid her hair with silver threads.
“This pack has waited a long time for a Princess worthy of the title,” Kaia added softly. “And now we have her.”
Raya smiled faintly, but her heart beat faster with every passing second, pounding like a war drum in her chest. Her fingers trembled slightly as she held the edge of her gown, but she inhaled deeply, grounding herself in their presence.
Then, the moment came.
The doors of the grand ceremonial altar opened, and the scent of fresh pine and mountain flowers met her senses as she stepped through. The music rose in an ancient melody that had echoed through generations, and all eyes turned to her. But Raya saw none of them.
Her gaze locked on one.
Kaius.
He stood tall, proud, and utterly breath
